U.S. SPACE SCIENCE: Earmarks, Rising Costs Threaten NASA Missions.

Area of Science:

• Space Science
• Planetary Exploration
• Astrophysics

Background:

• NASA's 2001 budget faces political pressures and rising mission costs.
• Recent Mars mission failures have impacted agency finances.
• Congressional additions to the budget prioritize constituent projects over scientific endeavors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of the 2001 budget on NASA's space science programs.
• To identify the financial challenges facing NASA's future missions.
• To assess the potential consequences of budget shortfalls on scientific exploration.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of proposed 2001 budget allocations.
• Review of project costs and funding priorities.
• Assessment of financial impact from recent mission failures.

Main Results:

• A modest budget increase for NASA is projected but will be offset by added projects.
• Funds are being reallocated from lower-priority missions, like a Pluto mission, due to rising costs.
• NASA and the science community express serious concerns about the long-term effects.

Conclusions:

• The confluence of political earmarks and mission cost overruns poses a significant threat to NASA's space science portfolio.
• Future scientific exploration and discovery are at risk due to these budgetary pressures.
• Urgent reevaluation of funding priorities is necessary to protect NASA's scientific objectives.